Archive for the ‘Community Events’ Category

April 1, 2012 8:00 am

to

April 30, 2012 8:00 pm

 

 

Please join V.F. McNeil Insurance for two very important events in the month of April.

 

First, participate with us by taking the Paul Sturgess ALS Challenge starting April 1^st and continuing the entire month.  Print the form and ask friends, family, and others you know to sponsor you to help support the Connecticut Chapter ALS Association.

 

Second, participate with us in the 9^th Annual Shoreline Walkathon  in Branford, Connecticut to support feeding the hungry in our community.  Additionally, because the walkathon is scheduled for April, 21^st 2012, the 3 mile walk can be time added to your ALS Challenge.  Therefore, in one day you can support two very important causes.

 

Lastly, we are proud to announce that Paul Sturgess will be honored at the 9th Annual Shoreline Walkathon as Grand Marshall in memory.  We hope you could join us.

 

To Learn More About Our Community Outreach in Connecticut – Visit V.F. McNeil Insurance Today!

 

What the power of people, community, and one very inspirational family accomplished during this milestone year.

By: Pauline Handy

The 15^th Annual Hammerfest Triathlon, held on September 18, 2011, came with a variety of challenges for many involved this year. Those challenges were successfully met and the race to benefit the Myelin Project was yet again an amazing day.

 

In 1999, Race Productions LLC named the Myelin Project the official beneficiary of the Hammerfest Triathlon.  The Myelin Project, established in 1989, aims to fund research in the area of Adrenoleukodystrophy, also known as ALD.   This decision was made after many supporters of a young and well-known boy living in the Branford community was affected by ALD at the age of six.   Many of you may know this young boy, now age 23, as Brian Kelley.  Despite Brian’s many challenges, he and his family continue to motivate and inspire others to fight the difficulties associated with ALD.

 

The Owenego Inn has graciously provided the triathlon with a venue since the event’s  inception.  However, due to the wrath of Hurricane Irene, the inn suffered significant damage and part of the usual race course along Linden Avenue where the inn is located also suffered damage.  In addition to that, it was undecided as to whether the swimming portion would be safe to continue due to remaining debris and contamination in the water.

 

Despite these challenges, the race continued due to the hard work of many people, the strength from within the Branford community, and the inspiration that continuously comes from Brian and his family.

 

The running portion of the race was re-mapped by race organizers and Captain Morgan of the Branford Police Department.  The Branford Police Department’s outstanding service also helped to keep both the running and biking course safe for participants.

 

With regard to the condition of the water, after the East Shore Health District declared the water clean enough for swimming, race coordinators recruited the assistance of Edward Fay, a scuba diver employed by the Branford Public Works Department.  Fay agreed to volunteer his time and diving skills to be sure that the  water was free of obstacles and debris, making it safe for the athletes.

 

Additionally, the Owenego staff as well as many volunteers from the Branford community worked tirelessly to make sure that the inn could continue as a good venue for the race.  Emergency responders stood by but thankfully were not needed that day.

 

The example of strength and the inspiration from Brian and his family did not stop there.  Another challenge successfully met was associated with a registered participant.  This participant is a long-time friend of the family of Brian Kelley.

 

Recently diagnosed with ALS, a neuromuscular disease that shares some commonalities with ALD, Paul Sturgess, participant, sponsor, and owner of V.F. McNeil Insurance, was faced with some aggravated symptoms of ALS the morning of the race.  Knowing that he was scheduled to participate in the swimming portion of the race as part of a relay, friends and family were concerned about his participation.

 

However, Paul’s dedication to the project, support from friends and loved ones, and Brian’s simple way of bringing out the best in others helped him to conquer his own challenges.  That day he successfully completed the swimming portion of the relay which involved Stephanie Engstrom as the running participant and Nicole Hall as the biking participant.  When asked what was going through his mind during his half mile swim, he said, “When I was doing the backstroke on my way out, I just kept looking up at the crystal clear blue sky and thinking about how lucky we were to have such nice weather and about how courageous Brian is.  It made me strong and literally made me smile while I was swimming.”

 

Later that day, Paul was formally honored by Jean Kelley, Brian’s mother, one of five race coordinators and a member on the board of directors for the Myelin Project, for his years of participation and consistent financial support, which has amounted to a $25,000.00 contribution to date.  The day was also celebrated with entertainment provided by Pete Lombard of American Productions and a cookout.

 

The days and hours leading up to the race were filled with many hurdles.  However, the power of good people working toward a common goal provided a positive outcome for all who were involved.

 

Raising over $50,000.00 this year, the funds from Hammerfest will be designated to the newborn screening project underway in Maryland.  Several investigations from this project support a strategy that increases the likelihood of a child remaining symptom free if identified at birth through screening and if treatment is started immediately.  With success in Maryland, the project’s goal is to have other states follow and have newborn screening for ALD included in the existing newborn screenings that babies already receive.

 

If you would like to find out more about the Hammerfest Triathlon, The Myelin Project, and Brian’s Beachside Boogie, an early spring duathlon held at Hammonasset State Park in Madison, as well as how you can participate as a contributor, a triathlete, a duathlete, a runner, biker, swimmer, volunteer, or a spectator, please visit  www.race-productions.com today and offer your support for this truly worthy cause.

 

To Learn More About Our Community Outreach – Visit V.F. McNeil Insurance Today!

 

 

November 18, 2011
5:30 pm	to	8:30 pm

The 24th Annual Branford Sports Hall of Fame Dinner will take place on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 at Woodwinds Restaurant in Branford, Connecticut

We are excited to announce that two of our very own will be inducted that evening.  Paul Sturgess and Nicole Hansen will be two out of the ten who have been chosen to be welcomed into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame.

Congrats to both of you from the entire team at V.F. McNeil Insurance.  We’re so proud of you !!!

Click below to view entire article and find out how you can attend to offer your support.

24th Branford Sports Hall of Fame – 10 Being Inducted

 

A day at the Branford Festival – One visitor’s story.

Saturday, June 18^th was a great day at the Branford Festival.  This year was not only our third, consecutive year as a festival sponsor and participant, but also a perfect opportunity to further celebrate our 125^th Anniversary.  Mother Nature was in our favor, the traffic was great, and the art contest we hosted was a big hit.  We really had a great time.  Seeing familiar faces and meeting many new ones is something we enjoy and look forward to each year.

However, one new visitor to our booth had a sad story…. 

Each year, we get a handful of insurance inquiries at our booth.  On this day, this visitor’s inquiry made us go home and think about how important our jobs really are.  Her story made us think about how invaluable relationships are.

Our visitor explained that she was currently looking for a new relationship with an insurance provider and was told of our agency.  Apparently, she has been insured with a company who she chose to leave nameless, since she was newly married.  Like many others, she was very busy and therefore didn’t think much about her insurance coverage. She didn’t fully understand her policy and never got a thorough explanation of what it meant.   She just knew she had it and it didn’t cost her much.

Unfortunately, she was involved in a very serious car accident not long after.  Following the accident, she discovered how inadequately insured she was.  Sadly, the coverage she thought to be such a great deal only compromised her protection. 

In the end, she didn’t save anything.  The accident cost her more than she ever imagined.  In fact, she stated that she was so inadequately insured, she had been paying out of her own pocket for damages ever since.  This happened over five years ago. 

She stated how she felt let down by her insurance provider.  She wanted to change providers, but she couldn’t with such a serious accident on her driving record.

More than five years have passed since her accident.  Her circumstances were starting to improve.  Most importantly for her sake, she didn’t have any debilitating injuries.  However, she traveled a pretty tough road to get to this point of recovery.

We were obviously relieved to learn by the end of the story that things were getting better for her.  We have to admit however, it was frustrating to know that her path to recovery could have been much easier.  It’s tough enough to recover from such an accident physically and emotionally.  When you have to add in the additional stress of learning that the damages won’t be paid for, it can seriously impact your life.

Unfortunately, bad things can happen to any one of us.  We cannot stress enough the importance of proper consultation when it comes to your insurance protection. 

Understanding your coverage and what it means to you when you need it most is so important.  In our opinion, it’s just as important as having the right doctor who really listens to you and spends the necessary time with you to be sure you’re properly cared for.

We understand that saving money is important, especially in this tight economy.  It’s important to everyone, even us.  However, saving a few dollars will mean nothing if it ends up costing you more in the long run.  When purchasing insurance, please be sure that your savings do not compromise your protection. 

It’s important to work with an insurance professional who has your best interest in mind.  He or she will care enough to spend time with you, listen, advise you based on your circumstances, and explain what your coverage means. 

He or she should not only act as your consultant on how best to protect yourself, but he or she should work hard to get you this protection at rates you can afford.  It’s important to have the right relationship with your insurance provider.  It’s just as important as your relationship with any other trusted professional such as your doctor, your lawyer, or your financial advisor. 

Consider it.  Relationships really do matter.          

June 18, 2011
8:00 am	to	4:00 pm

 As we continue our journey through 2011, the year that marks V.F. McNeil’s 125^th Anniversary, we enjoy looking back on the great new things that we’ve been involved with so far this year.  We also look forward to other upcoming events and activities throughout the rest of the year…

One of the most exciting events that we look forward to each year is the annual Branford Festival, held on the Branford, Connecticut Green each year on Father’s Day Weekend.  This year will be our third, consecutive year as a Gold Sponsor of the festival, and providers of free, child ID kits for families with children.

While we’re still honoring our usual commitments, we have something new this year in honor of our 125^th Anniversary.

If you, your children, or anyone you know has a hidden artistic talent, or simply just like to color or draw, you’ll want to find out about the event we are hosting at our booth this year.  It’s our way of celebrating our anniversary and our community, as well as giving you an opportunity to have a little fun and possibly win a prize for doing so.

Check it out.  Visit our Celebrating the Shoreline Community  page to learn how you can participate.  It’s easy, fun, and our gift to you!

Hope to see you at the festival. 

Visit V.F. McNeil Insurance today at 500 East Main Street, Branford, CT 06405 or give us a call at (203) 481-2684.

From: The Team at V.F. McNeil

February 6th was a victorious day for the Walsh Intermediate School Wrestling Team. Three 8th grade wrestlers, after giving it their all during the Wilson Wrestling Tournament in Middletown, Connecticut, were chosen as medalists at this tournament.

Our team is especially excited and would like to offer a special congratulations to the three medalists. One of the medalists is the son of a team member here at the agency, and the other two are children of two of our valued clients.

Congratulations to Joseph Martone for a third place metal in his weight class, Joey Colaccio for a third place metal in his weight class and to Taylor Levesh for a second place metal in her weight class. You guys did a great job!!! You should be proud.

 

 

On September 27, 2009, V.F. McNeil proudly sponsored Pauline Handy (Marketing Representative) to complete a 15 mile bike ride with The Simon Konover Team to raise money for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, located in Ashford, CT.

Founded in 1988, by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a nonprofit residential summer camp and year-round center serving children and their families coping with cancer and other serious illnesses and conditions. The camp serves more than 15,000 annually and all services are provided free of charge.

The Simon Konover Company, founded by Simon Konover, a long time friend of Paul Newman, was hired to construct the 24 original buildings and all subsequent buildings, and completed all without earning any profit. Today, Jane Coppa, Simon Konover’s daughter, still continues the tradition of support started by her father.

Despite the challenge of the weather that day, over 250 cyclists arrived for the bike challenge and so far, over $150,000 have been raised, proving to be a very rewarding event for all!

In spite of the rain, eventually ending the program early, the staff at V.F. McNeil Insurance enjoyed the day interacting with visitors who stopped by to take advantage of their free child id kits. Many parents were able to take home a child id kit for each of their children and the kids were happy to go away with some colorful balloons! Visit us today on Facebook to see more photos.

Left: Paul Sturgess (V.F. McNeil Insurance – President) reaches for an ID Kit to give to a family who stopped by.

 

V.F. McNeil Insurance enjoying a day of golf at the annual IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) Golf Tournament, held at The Traditions Golf Club in Wallingford, CT.

ABOVE: The island green at hole 13.From Left: Carmine Montuori (CIC,Account Executive), Eric Hackett (CIC, Account Executive), Paul Sturgess (CIC, President), Dan McNamara (CIC, Vice President)	ABOVE: V.F. McNeil Sponsors the longest drive.From Left: Dan McNamara (CIC, Vice President), Carmine Montuori (CIC, Account Executive), Eric Hackett (CIC, Account Executive)

 

 

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2009.

The Branford Recreation Department Mens’ League finished its regular season last Thursday evening and will begin playoffs this coming week. V.F. McNeil claimed the regular season title and will earn a bye in the first round. Trap Runner also earned a bye.

Last week’s results: Trap Runner 62, Evans Mobil 60 Pete Barczak scored 24 points and Rob Howard added 14, as Trap Runner defeated Evans Mobil. Carlton Sutherland led Evans with 17 points. V.F. McNeil 48, Branford Book and Card 43

Dan McNamara led V.F. McNeil with 15 points as his squad captured the regular season title. Dustin Ceccolini added 12 points in the win. Jared Ceccolin and Ed Preiss each had 10 points in the loss.

G&G Construction 54, W.S. Clancy 49
Bill Lee scored a game-high 18 points and Mark Roberti added nine as G&G Construction defeated W.S. Clancy, 54-49. Colby Morowski led Clancy with 13 points.

Playoff Schedule Thursday January 29:
(4) Branford Book and Card vs (5) Evans Mobil, 6:30
(3) G&G Construction vs (6) W.S. Clancy, 7:30 p.m.
First Round Byes- (1) V.F. McNeil and (2) Trap Runner

To read more please visit, mybranfordsports.com.
To read more please visit, mybranfordsports.com.